The UPS Store Makes "Mentoring Month" Matter for Small Business Owners

Press Release

San Diego, January 09, 2014

Offers Small Business Tips, Advice and a "Speed Dating" - Style Mentoring Event

Underscoring its commitment to supporting small businesses and startups, The UPS Store® has put its own spin on National Mentoring Month, focusing on the importance of mentoring for small business owners. With support from SCORE, a nonprofit association dedicated to small business education and mentorship, the company will offer tips and guidance to its small business customers about how to find, and benefit from a small business mentor.

According to a recent survey, 88 percent of business owners with a mentor say that having one is invaluable. Confirming the importance of mentors, 70 percent of small business owners that receive mentoring survive for five years or more, double the rate of those who do not receive mentoring. "For many, starting a business can be overwhelming - it's no longer just about exploring a passion or following a dream," said W. Kenneth Yancy, chief executive officer of SCORE. "A mentor can help navigate the complex challenges that often come with being a business owner, and the guidance from someone who has been there themselves can be a real asset."

The company will be co-hosting a "speed mentoring" event with SCORE during Entrepreneur Magazine's 6th Annual Growth Conference in New Orleans. The free, one-day conference offers small business owners how-to sessions, networking events and the presentation of the Entrepreneur of 2013 awards. The "speed mentoring" event will connect business owners with business experts for advice about marketing, finance, accounting, sales, business management and more, in a quick-paced "speed dating" format. For those who can't join in person, The UPS Store will offer the opportunity to chat about the importance of mentoring live with the editor in chief of Entrepreneur Magazine and small business mentoring expert, Amy Cosper, during a Twitter chat on Thursday, January 16 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. The chat can be followed using the hashtag, #MentorMonth.

"We know small business owners often feel alone, and that they don't have anywhere to turn for help," said Michelle Van Slyke, vice president of marketing and small business solutions for The UPS Store. "Having a mentor can be an invaluable resource."

For more information, including full survey results and an infographic highlighting the impact of mentoring, please visit theupsstore.com/score.

About The UPS Store With more than 4,300 locations, The UPS Store network comprises the nation's largest franchise system of retail shipping, postal, print and business service centers. The UPS Store locations in the U.S. are independently owned and operated by licensed franchisees of The UPS Store, Inc., a subsidiary of UPS (NYSE:UPS). Services, pricing and hours of operation may vary by location. For additional information on The UPS Store, visit www.theupsstore.com. For information on franchise opportunities for opening a The UPS Store location, visit www.theupsstorefranchise.com.